When I first started performing in the salsa scene, I knew nothing about doing my makeup for a show. Luckily, I was surrounded by seasoned professionals who explained why stage makeup needs to be so extra (otherwise the lights and distance wash you out!) and showed me how to use different products to create bold looks.
From teaching me how to contour and create the perfect smokey eye, to helping me put on fake eyelashes for the first (and umm, okay, the next 15 times too!), I’m grateful to all the dancers who have helped elevate my makeup game over the years. I asked three of those professional dancers – Anya Katsevman, Monique Richard, and Brianna Rios – to share their stage makeup must-haves with all of you too. Keep reading for some of their tips, just in time for competition season!
Stage Makeup Must Haves
Anya Katsevman
Two-time World Champion, Competitive Dance Coach & Judge, New York
“When choosing stage makeup, specifically colors and textures, you have to think bold and over the top. Everything fades under stage lights and blends in to the environment around you, so everything has to be exaggerated to even make an appearance. Lipstick is the one accessory one should play with, but finding what works as a staple is very important.
There are many types of lipsticks, so try different ones until you find one that is most suitable for you. I prefer ones that are matte and thick (not watery), like Le Rouge and Le Fuchsia from Yves Saint Laurent. Hot pink works well on stage; it’s soft and compliments most smoky eyes.
Once you find what works for you, stick with it. You don’t have to keep trying new looks just to try new looks. Find the brand or style that you like and make it iconic for yourself.”
Monique Richard
Competitive Dance Champion, Creative Director at Balmir Latin Dance, New York
“I’d never step on a stage without a thick exaggerated cat eye! To get the look, you need a good black liquid liner. My favorite is Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner in Trooper Black because it’s long lasting and super pigmented even under bright stage lights. The thin felt tip also makes it easy to create a sharp winged edge, which always really finishes the look for me!”
Brianna Rios
World Champion & World Games Dance Sport Athlete, New York
“A performance face just isn’t complete without a great highlight. I love using a liquid, rather than a powder because it creates a stronger effect. I apply it as a base (using a Beauty Blender) and then add a powder highlight on top. The liquid base helps the powder stick, so it lasts for a really long time and can be seen form a mile away once those bright stage lights hit your face. I used to love Origins Halo Effect Illuminator, but sadly it was discontinued! The Becca Shimmering Liquid Highlighter and NARS Hot Sand Illuminator create a similar effect.”
Thank you Brianna, Monique, and Anya for sharing your stage makeup beauty recommendations with us! You can shop their favorite products below:
Shop Stage Makeup Must Haves
Have other stage makeup beauty product recs? Leave them in a comment below!